Chapter Ninety-One: Sword Dance

According to Chu Meier, she had everything planned out: within a month, Linger would be pregnant, and nine months later, she’d be cradling her grandchild. For this purpose, she’d already begun preparing tiny garments for the child, and even instructed her maids to scour the capital for novel toys each day.

Good heavens, Linger was left utterly dumbfounded on the spot. The plan was laid out perfectly, step by meticulous step. The only issue was that nothing had ever happened between her and Baili Xian; where on earth was she supposed to produce a child from?

Distraught and muddle-headed, Linger returned to her room. The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She bitterly regretted her loose tongue in inviting the Empress Dowager to the Prince Xian’s residence in the first place. This was truly inviting a wolf into her home, hoisting a rock only to crush her own foot.

When she saw Baili Xian following her into the room, Linger’s annoyance instantly flared. “You really do have a lot of free time, Your Highness. What brings you running to me?”

Baili Xian pretended not to hear her sarcasm. He took a seat at the table, poured himself a cup of tea, sipped it slowly, then with a flourish snapped open his folding fan and began to fan himself with careless elegance.

“You do realize what season it is? Aren’t you cold, Your Highness?” Linger seized the chance to jab at him, especially since her mood was foul.

Baili Xian folded his fan away. “It would seem, Princess, that I am not welcome here. In that case, I won’t share the wonderful idea I spent all night devising. I’d originally come to tell you about it, but clearly, that would be presumptuous of me.”

With that, he stood up to leave. Linger hadn’t expected such a turn and quickly switched her expression; though still immensely irritated, she grabbed Baili Xian’s sleeve and said with a bright smile, “Don’t go, Your Highness! How could our handsome and charming Prince hold a grudge against a mere woman like me? Just take what I said as the ramblings of a momentary fit.”

Baili Xian had anticipated this. He knew full well her words were insincere, but somehow the mixture of her forced flattery and self-deprecation amused him. Still, if he caved too quickly, he’d seem lacking in dignity.

Determined to maintain his composure, Baili Xian allowed her to tug at his sleeve, his lips curled in a subtle smile, yet he continued moving toward the door.

Linger grew anxious. How could the prince be so petty? But she absolutely couldn’t let him leave. She tightened her grip on his hand, her tone turning fawning: “Your Highness, you can’t do this. We’re partners, after all! If you abandon me now, how could you bear to see your partner, a helpless woman, make a fool of herself at the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration?”

He played his role to perfection. Baili Xian turned, gazing at her pitiful expression. “It’s not impossible to tell you, but you must agree to one condition.”

Scoundrel! That was the first word that sprang to Linger’s mind. This was outright extortion, naked blackmail. But what choice did she have? Though she knew she was at a disadvantage, Linger nodded. “Name it. As long as it’s not outrageous, I’ll agree.”

Baili Xian grinned. “Just promise to let me sleep on the bed from now on. Of course, I won’t take advantage of you—we’ll each stay on our own side.”

Linger’s eyes flickered with calculation. She might as well agree for now, get the idea out of him, and then go back on her word. Surely, the prince wouldn’t stoop to argue with a lady, would he?

Alas, she underestimated Baili Xian’s cunning. He shook his fan with a sly smile. “Words are cheap. Swear a little oath—say that if you ever deny me a share of the bed, your chest will shrink by half.”

Blast it, what a malicious oath! Her chest was nothing to sneeze at—if it shrank by half, she’d never forgive herself. Seeing Baili Xian’s wicked grin, Linger almost wanted to scratch him to death.

Calm, calm down. Linger took a deep breath. “I, Linger, swear before the heavens: from now on, I’ll share a part of the bed with Prince Xian. If I break my word, may my chest shrink by half!”

She shot Baili Xian a murderous glance. If his suggestion didn’t satisfy her, she had plenty of ways to deal with him. Now that her internal energy was restored, she could always thrash him later if needed.

Baili Xian pointed to a sword hanging on the wall. “It’s actually quite simple. The Empress Dowager is a first-class martial artist; her favorite thing is to watch others perform sword dances. So long as you dance well, you’ll have no trouble presenting a fine performance at her birthday celebration.”

“Really?” Linger eyed him skeptically. “If you’re lying, may your own—be reduced by half!”

Baili Xian’s face darkened. For her to come up with such a curse! Little did she know, she’d just learned that trick from him. He flicked his sleeves and strode toward the door, calling out as he went, “Of course I’m serious. I spent all night thinking it over—it’s absolutely reliable.”

With a few quick steps, Linger blocked his path. “Your idea is fine, but you have to teach me the sword dance. I can’t just wave a sword around at random, can I?”

Baili Xian replied, “That’s true. But I don’t have time to teach you myself. How about I find someone else to instruct you?”